5/6/2024: 

H5 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), or Bird Flu, has become a global issue. The virus is now present in wild birds on six continents and the use of sanitary control measures alone may no longer be a sustainable solution to effectively contain the disease. The time has come to move away from the systematic mass culling of flocks as the main measure to control HPAI. We need to consider the use of safe and effective vaccines in combination with proper monitoring and surveillance to control this disease. Research is well on the way and Royal GD is currently carrying out field tests in laying hens. In the shadow of the global H5 outbreak, the H9N2 strain is also endemic in many countries. A new animal model has recently been developed to test vaccines against this strain.

Bird flu is a clear and present danger to biodiversity, human health and the economic sustainability of commercial poultry farming worldwide. In December 2023, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) sent out a policy brief on Avian Influenza. The brief noted that the rapidly evolving nature of avian influenza and its patterns of spread require a review of existing prevention and control strategies. To effectively contain the disease, protect the economic sustainability of the poultry sector and reduce potential pandemic risks, all available tools – including vaccination – must be reconsidered according to the WOAH. Read more

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